words for the mind and spirit

If you wish for a pearl
you must leave the desert
and wander by the sea;
and even if you never find
the gleaming pearl, at least
you won't have failed to reach the water

--Sama'i--

A sheikh said, "if you wish to become a saint, change your
character into the character of children." "Why?" he was asked.
"Children have five qualities," he answered,"and if adults had
these same qualities, they would attain the rank of saints."

1. They do not worry about their daily bread
2. When they fall sick, they do not complain night and day
about their misfortune.
3. Whatever food they have, they share
4. When they fight or quarrel, they do not keep grudges
in their hearts, but make up quickly.
5. The slightest threat makes them frightened and brings
tears to their eyes.

---al-Ghazzali---

Oh heart, sit with someone
who knows the heart;
Go under the tree
which has fresh blossoms

---Rumi---



Fasting is a way to save on food.
Vigil and prayer is a labor for old folks.
Pilgrimage is an occasion for tourism.
To distribute bread in alms is something for philanthropists.
Fall in love:
That is doing something!

---Ansari---

Dear Friend,
Your heart is a polished mirror. You must wipe it clean of
the veil of dust that has gathered upon it, because it is
destined to reflect the light of divine secrets.

----al-Ghazzali---

For thirty years I sought God. But when I looked carefully
I found that in reality God was the seeker and I the sought.

---Beyazid Bistami---

When you come upon the essence, do you still want the form?
When you have drunk of the water of life, do you still need the
glass to contain it?

---Reshad Feild----